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Jalen Brunson isn't scared of Jimmy Butler anymore—Is this the Knicks' year to shine?

The NY Knicks certainly have a stacked roster, heading into their next season. The big men’s return from injury, the re-signing of OG Anunoby, and the acquisition of Mikal Bridges have made the Big Apple side a lethal force in the East. Apart from that, the team also holds the confidence to reach back-to-back East Semis with a short-handed side. The overarching confidence made the star guard Josh Hart take a sly dig at the Miami Heat star forward, Jimmy Butler.

Amid the intense 2024 postseason, fans may have overlooked a newly brewing rivalry. And it’s between Hart and Butler. While the fans may have forgotten, his superstar teammate, Jalen Brunson, definitely didn’t. The 6 ‘2 guard rightly brought it out in their episode of The Roommates Show. Brunson was testing Hart’s basketball knowledge by asking him to pick an elite guard-wings duo from the East.

After a few seconds of squeezing his brain, Hart replied, “Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges.” However, Brunson wasn’t happy. He wanted his teammate to name an “elite” duo. Hart, giving up easily, said, “Name another one, Jalen, in the East since you had this expansive basketball IQ.”

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JB, without a second thought, mentioned Tyler Herro and Jimmy Butler, leaving Hart in disbelief. And, looking at his teammate’s expression, Brunson hilariously said, “Oh, you’re still mad Jimmy called you out.” He further continued, impersonating Butler from two months ago, saying, ” Josh Hart, really? Huh!” with the famous Butler eyebrow raised.

USA Today via Reuters

However, in response, Hart unmoved, “I got OG (Anunoby), Mikal (Bridges). I’m chilling. I ain’t gotta worry about none of them. I’ll be guarding, I don’t even know.” Of course, with the inclusion of Anunoby and Bridges, Hart doesn’t really have to guard Jimmy Butler. But he definitely has unfinished business with the Heat star.

What’s the beef between Jimmy Butler & Josh Hart?

Jimmy Butler’s antics off the court aren’t unheard of. Of course, he is a menace to his opponents on the hardwood. But Butler is known for his flamboyant and goofy personality. Not to forget his hairstyle when he appeared for the Miami Heat’s 2023 Media Day. Similarly, in an attempt to defend the Heat, which exited the postseason in the first round without him, he may have spoken a little too much about Josh Hart.

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What’s your perspective on:

Jalen Brunson isn't scared of Jimmy Butler anymore—Is this the Knicks' year to shine?

Have an interesting take?

Butler said, “If I was playing, Boston would be at home. New York would damn sure be f**king be at home.” In response, the person who he was arguing with brought in Josh Hart’s name. Scoffing at the idea, Jimmy responded, “What the f**k does that mean to me? Josh Hart? What? Josh Hart? Come on, man.” While the Heat star walked away making that statement, it stayed fresh in Hart’s mind.

Speaking about the incident in the Roommates Show, Hart said, “That would have been OG. I don’t know why he said my name.” Hart had only Anunoby to guard him last time, but this time, he added Mikal Bridges to his list. The former Nets’ will bring a two-way portfolio into the side, strengthening both offense and defense.

Will Josh Hart get to respond to Jimmy Butler in the brewing rivalry? Let us know in the comments.

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Before you go, do not forget to check out Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, to open up about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud. Keep checking this space for more such updates.

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